What is a root canal?
The term "root canal" refers to the actual nerve center of a tooth. Underneath your tooth's outer enamel, within the dentin, is an area of soft tissue called the pulp tissue. This pulp tissue contains the nerve center (comprised of arteries, veins, lymph vessels and connective tissue), which enters the tooth at the very tip of its roots and runs through the center of the root in small "root canals." Root canals are very small, thin divisions that branch off from the top pulp chamber down to the tip of the root. A tooth has at least one but no more than four root canals.

What is root canal therapy?
Root canal therapy (also known as endodontic treatment) is a procedure that can safely and comfortably save a tooth that otherwise would need to be pulled/extracted. The diseased or dead pulp in the root canal of the tooth is cleaned out, and the canal is reshaped and filled with a rubber-like substance called gutta-percha or another material to prevent recontamination of the tooth. The tooth is then permanently sealed with a post and/or crown. At Danner Dental, the computerized anesthesia (numbing) and Dr. Danner's gentle touch make root canal therapy a virtually painless procedure that is usually completed in one visit.

Why is root canal therapy necessary?
When the pulp tissue of a tooth becomes infected due to a deep cavity or fracture that allows bacteria to seep in, or due to injury or trauma, the nerve of the tooth can die and root canal therapy becomes necessary. Infection within a tooth will not heal by itself. Without treatment, the infection will spread, bone supporting the tooth will begin to deteriorate, and the tooth may fall out. Pain usually worsens until the person is forced to seek emergency dental care. The only alternative is usually extraction (pulling the tooth), which can cause neighboring teeth to shift and become crooked, resulting in a bad bite. Though an extraction may be less expensive than root canal therapy, the space left behind will require an implant or a bridge, which can be more costly than root canal therapy. If you have the choice, it is always best to keep your original teeth for as long as you can.

Are there other options to root canal therapy?
Extracting the tooth is the only alternative to root canal therapy; however, extraction can cause the surrounding teeth to move, resulting in a bad bite. Though pulling the tooth may be perceived as less expensive, the empty space left behind will require an implant or bridge, which ultimately can be more costly than root canal therapy.

(330) 494-6016
901 Schneider St SE
North Canton OH 44720